Small business owners must wear many hats, from managing operations to developing marketing strategies and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Whether you're looking to expand your work, take on a new challenge, or pivot to a different industry, a strong small business owner resume can help highlight your skills and experiences in a way that resonates with investors.

This article provides a detailed guide for crafting effective resume for owner's of small business, tailored to various industries and job focuses. We'll also offer examples of good resumes that showcase the unique skills required for each type of ownership.

Small business owner resume examples

Retail small business owner resume template

Retail small business owner resume template
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Retail business owner resume sample | Plain text

Laura Bennett

New York, NY
Email: laura.bennett@gmail.com
Phone: (212) 345-6789

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented Retail Business Owner with over 8 years of experience managing all aspects of operations, including inventory management, customer relations, and staff training. Proven track record of increasing sales and profitability through innovative marketing strategies and superior customer service.

Experience

Owner/Manager

Bennett's Boutique, New York, NY, May 2019 – Present

  • Manage a team of 10 employees, handling hiring, training, and performance reviews.
  • Oversee inventory control, implementing new software to minimize stock discrepancies by 25%.
  • Develop and execute seasonal promotional events that boost foot traffic and online sales.
  • Strengthen relationships with local vendors and customers to increase repeat business by 15%.
  • Lead targeted marketing efforts that have resulted in a 40% increase in annual sales.

Assistant Manager

Chic Threads, Brooklyn, NY, June 2016 – April 2019

  • Assisted in overseeing daily store operations, focusing on employee performance and customer service.
  • Conducted market research to help develop promotional strategies that increased store visibility.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

New York University, NY

Graduated: May 2016

Certification

  • Certified Retail Management Professional – National Retail Federation (2020)

Skills

  • Retail operations management
  • Inventory control and supply chain management
  • Customer service excellence
  • Digital marketing and e-commerce
  • Budgeting and financial planning
  • Leadership and staff development

Why this resume for small business owner is effective?

  • Highlighting strong vendor and customer relationships adds credibility. This underlines Laura's focus on both the front and back end of the business, a key aspect of running a successful retail establishment.
  • The inclusion of specific examples demonstrates her ability to drive measurable business growth, showing that she’s not just handling day-to-day tasks but actively contributing to the success of the store.
  • The resume emphasizes a wide range of skills, from digital marketing to financial planning, which positions her as a versatile and well-rounded candidate.
How to format a business owner resume?
  • Use clean, standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman.
  • The font size should normally be between 10-12 points for body text. Choose a slightly larger size for headings.
  • Leave margins of 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides. This provides enough white space for readability.
  • Set the body text to single-spaced, with extra line space between sections.
  • Keep the document to one page if possible, especially for those with less than 10 years' experience.
  • Consider changing the color of headings slightly to add visual appeal without distracting.
  • Include bullets to list achievements and responsibilities. This makes the information easy to scan.
  • Align body text to the left for consistency.
  • Start entries with strong action verbs to convey energy and initiative.
  • Avoid passive voice; focus on actions taken and results achieved.
  • Maintain a formal and professional tone. Stay away from slang or overly casual language.
  • Incorporate keywords from the job description or investment proposal to demonstrate alignment with expectations.
  • Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors.
  • Always provide up-to-date contact information at the top of your profile so it's easy to find.

If you find it challenging to remember these rules, we have a convenient solution: try using a resume helper!

Choose from a variety of sample resume templates that cater to different industries and styles, ensuring your resume stands out to potential employers.

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Restaurant small business owner resume example

Michael Caruso

Chicago, IL
Email: michael.caruso@gmail.com
Phone: (312) 123-4567

Objective

Experienced and passionate Bistro Owner with over 10 years of experience in managing restaurant operations, from menu planning to hiring and customer satisfaction. Eager to bring my culinary expertise and business acumen to a new challenge in the food and hospitality industry.

Experience

Executive Chef

Caruso's Italian Bistro, Chicago, IL, January 2016 – Present

  • Lead a team of 20+ employees, creating a positive work environment that improves staff retention by 30%.
  • Design and update seasonal menus focused on locally sourced ingredients, driving a 25% increase in new customers.
  • Manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality and cost-effectiveness.
  • Implement marketing and loyalty programs that result in a 50% increase in revenue over five years.

Sous Chef

Bella Cucina, Chicago, IL, April 2014 – December 2016

  • Assisted in daily kitchen operations, overseeing food preparation and staff training.

Projects

  • Catering Business Launch. Spearheaded the launch of an in-house catering division, growing restaurant revenue by 15% in the first year.

Education

Culinary Arts Diploma

Le Cordon Bleu, Chicago, IL

Graduated: June 2009

Certificates

  • Food Safety Manager Certification – ServSafe (2021)
  • Certified Restaurant Management Professional – National Restaurant Association (2020)

Skills

  • Culinary and menu development
  • Restaurant operations management
  • Financial budgeting and cost control
  • Customer relationship management (CRM)
  • Team leadership and training
  • Event planning and catering

Strength of this resume of business owner:

  • The document balances Michael's culinary capacities with his acumen, showing he’s not only skilled in creating menus but also in managing a business.
  • The focus on locally sourced ingredients highlights a connection to the community, appealing to modern restaurant trends and customer expectations for sustainability and quality.
  • Introducing catering services and updating menus demonstrates his innovation and ability to diversify revenue streams, which is essential in a competitive restaurant market.
How to start a resume of owner of small business?

By beginning your application with a clear opening statement, you can effectively capture the attention of potential employers and set the stage for the rest of your document.

The objective should be a brief sentence or two that conveys your career goals and what you aim to achieve in your next role. It should be specific and tailored to the position you’re applying for.

Example of business owner resume objective:

Creative freelance photographer with a strong portfolio in portrait and event photography. Seeking to collaborate with brands and individuals to produce visually compelling content that tells a story and engages audiences.

The summary section provides a snapshot of your qualifications, experience, and achievements as a business owner. It should be a paragraph that emphasizes your background, showcasing what sets you apart from other candidates.

Example of small business owner resume summary:

Strategic digital marketing agency owner with eight years of experience driving successful marketing campaigns for clients across various industries. Expert in SEO, PPC, and social media marketing, with a proven ability to increase client engagement and ROI. Looking to take on a leadership role in a growing company where I can mentor others and contribute to innovative marketing strategies.

Tech startup small business owner resume template

Tech startup small business owner resume template
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Tech startup business owner resume sample | Plain text

Samir Patel

San Francisco, CA
Email: samir.patel@gmail.com
Phone: (415) 987-6543

Summary

Innovative Tech Startup Founder with expertise in software development, business strategy, and venture capital fundraising. Adept at scaling startups from concept to profitability, with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and build strategic partnerships. Successfully raised $5M in venture funding and grew user base to 50,000+ within two years.

Experience

Founder/CEO

TechEase Solutions, San Francisco, CA, June 2022 – Present

  • Secure and manage $5M in Series A funding by collaborating with investors.
  • Oversee a team of 30+ employees, promoting agile development practices to enhance collaboration.
  • Establish strategic partnerships that increase market penetration by 40%.
  • Drive business strategy, focusing on growth and user experience optimization.

Software Engineer

CodeCraft, Palo Alto, CA, August 2020 – May 2022

  • Developed and maintained backend architecture for enterprise-level software solutions.
  • Collaborated across departments to improve product delivery and client satisfaction.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Stanford University, CA

Graduated: May 2020

Certificate

  • Certified Scrum Master (CSM) – Scrum Alliance (2021)

Projects

  • SaaS Platform. Developed and launched a project management SaaS platform, leading to a 200% increase in user growth and securing over 50,000 active users.

Skills

  • Software development (Python, JavaScript, SQL)
  • Agile project management
  • Venture capital fundraising
  • Business development and scaling
  • Strategic partnerships
  • User experience (UX) design

Why this small business owner resume is good?

  • The experience section highlights positions that are directly related to the startup world, making the candidate’s background highly relevant.
  • The project directly ties into the job seeker's tech expertise and their ability to build, scale, and market a product.
  • The move from engineer to CEO shows a natural career progression from hands-on development to leading an entire company. This suggests both technical depth and leadership growth.
How to organize experience on a resume of small business owner?
  • Open with the official title of your business (e.g. owner, founder or CEO).
  • You can also include the name and location of the business below your heading for context.
  • Indicate the length of time you have owned your firm, giving the month and year you started.
  • Provide a bulleted list of your key responsibilities and duties.
  • Focus on measurable results or specific achievements.
  • Employ numbers, percentages or other quantifiable data to illustrate your accomplishments.

Construction small business owner resume example

Jordan Miller

Denver, CO
Email: jordan.miller@gmail.com
Phone: (720) 987-1234

Objective

Experienced Construction Company Owner with 10 years of experience in managing large-scale residential and commercial projects. Proven track record of delivering high-quality results on time and within budget. Looking to leverage expertise in project management, construction regulations, and client relations in a new role within the industry.

Experience

General Contractor

Miller Construction Co., Denver, CO, April 2016 – Present

  • Lead all project execution, including bidding, scheduling, and budgeting, with a 95% on-time completion rate.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and building codes for 50+ completed residential and commercial projects.
  • Manage contracts with subcontractors and suppliers to reduce project costs by 15%.
  • Oversee the implementation of project management software to improve communication and efficiency.
  • Build strong client relationships that have led to a 30% increase in referrals.

Project Manager

Rock Solid Builders, Denver, CO, June 2014 – March 2016

  • Coordinated the construction of residential properties, ensuring projects stayed on schedule and within budget.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management

University of Colorado Boulder, CO

Graduated: May 2014

Skills

  • Construction project management
  • Budgeting and cost control
  • Vendor and subcontractor management
  • Blueprint reading and interpretation
  • Safety and compliance regulations
  • Client relations

Strong sides of this resume of business owner:

  • Implementing software to improve efficiency demonstrates that Jordan embraces modern construction technologies and understands their value in enhancing operational performance.
  • The tangible achievements add value and credibility to the resume, making it clear that the applicant can drive results for any future employer.
  • Managing a business for over eight years while maintaining a 95% on-time completion rate highlights leadership and organizational skills.
What skills to put on a resume?
  • Hard skills are teachable abilities that often vary by profession or industry. They are often acquired through education, and can be tested or assessed through certifications or exams.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal attributes that influence how effectively one interacts with others and navigates the workplace. They are applicable across various jobs and industries, making them versatile and valuable in any role.

Business owner resume hard skills:

  • Financial Management
  • Project Management
  • Marketing Strategy Development
  • Data Analysis
  • Sales Techniques
  • Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Inventory Control
  • Website Development
  • Legal Compliance

Business owner resume soft skills:

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem-Solving
  • Negotiation
  • Time Management
  • Adaptability
  • Customer Service
  • Networking
  • Creativity
  • Team Collaboration

Freelance creative small business owner resume template

Freelance creative small business owner resume template
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Freelance creative business owner resume sample | Plain text

Emily Roberts

Austin, TX
Email: emily.roberts@gmail.com
Phone: (512) 345-6799

Summary

Creative Business Owner with over 3 years of experience in providing freelance graphic design, branding, and marketing services to a variety of clients. Skilled in developing visually compelling designs that elevate brand identity and drive customer engagement. Looking to expand into a full-service creative agency.

Experience

Owner/Creative Director

Roberts Creative Studio, Austin, TX, January 2023 – Present

  • Design branding, websites, and marketing materials for 50+ clients, leading to a 25% increase in client revenue.
  • Manage all business operations, including client acquisition, invoicing, and project timelines.
  • Cultivate long-term client relationships that drive repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
  • Lead a team of freelance designers and copywriters to ensure project delivery within budget and on time.
  • Use social media marketing to grow business presence, resulting in a 40% increase in new client inquiries.

Freelance Graphic Designer

Self-Employed, Austin, TX, June 2021 – December 2022

  • Worked with startups and small businesses to create engaging visual content for marketing campaigns.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design

University of Texas at Austin, TX

  • Graduated: May 2023
  • GPA 3.9
  • Relevant Courses: Brand Identity and Logo Design, Digital Marketing for Creatives, Business Management for Designers

Skills

  • Graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite)
  • Branding and identity creation
  • Web design (WordPress, HTML/CSS)
  • Social media marketing
  • Client relations and project management
  • Team leadership and collaboration

What will attract the investors in this small business owner resume?

  • The focus on cultivating long-term relationships and repeat business through word-of-mouth referrals indicates a strong customer satisfaction rate, which is critical for sustainable growth.
  • Emily manages all aspects of her business, including client acquisition, invoicing, and project timelines. This level of operational control indicates that she is organized and capable of handling the financial and logistical demands of running a business.
  • Investors are often attracted to small businesses with plans to scale, and her vision for growth, combined with experience managing a team of freelancers, shows readiness for scaling operations.
How to show education on a business owner resume?

List your diplomas in reverse chronological order, including:

  • Degree Type (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s)
  • Major or Field of Study
  • Institution Name
  • Location (City, State)
  • Graduation Date (Month, Year)

Include any relevant courses and honors that pertain to your business or industry, especially if you lack extensive work experience. Mention any relevant certifications, licenses, or additional training.

Conclusion

Crafting a compelling small business owner resume is crucial for effectively showcasing your unique skills, experience, and vision.

By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can create a document that highlights your entrepreneurial spirit and operational expertise.

Remember to focus on relevant experience, clearly articulate your achievements, and emphasize both hard and soft skills that set you apart in a competitive market.

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